Barostim delivers electrical pulses to baroreceptors in the wall of the carotid artery. The pulses activate the body’s baroreflex, triggering an autonomic response to the heart.
CVRx designed the therapy to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, reducing the symptoms of heart failure. The system holds FDA breakthrough device designation and FDA approval for use in heart failure patients in the U.S. CVRx earlier this year announced positive data as part of an expanded FDA labeling for Barostim granted in December.
CMS assigned Barostim to New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) 1580. The APC payment of approximately $45,000 continues in 2025, according to a news release. This comes as part of the published 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) final rule.
Minneapolis-based CVRx said the CMS decision follows another reimbursement win. Recently, the American Medical Association CPT Editorial Panel approved the application to transition Barostim from Category III to Category I CPT codes. The company expects the implementation of that transition to take place on Jan. 1, 2026.
Additionally, CVRx says CMS reassigned Barostim to a higher-paying MS-DRG for inpatient procedures. That went into effect on Oct. 1, increasing payment to $43,000 from a previous range of $17,000-$23,000.
“We applaud this action by CMS, which appropriately recognizes the resource requirements associated with the Barostim implant procedure in the outpatient setting. We appreciate the support from the CMS Hospital Outpatient Physician Advisory Panel, medical societies, and the hospital and physician community throughout the public comment period,” said Kevin Hykes, president and CEO of CVRx. “The three positive reimbursement developments announced in the last month represent a fundamental and comprehensive improvement in physician coding and hospital reimbursement.
“This will facilitate broader patient access to Barostim therapy, further strengthening our commercial foundation.”
